IB History Year 1: Conquest & Its Impact

This course will focus on the prescribed topic of Societies in Transition (1400-1700) 

This subject focuses on Spanish conquest. Two case studies are prescribed, from two different regions of the world: The first explores the final stages of Muslim rule in the Iberian Peninsula. The second focuses on the creation of Spain’s Empire in Latin America through the conquest of Mexico and Peru. 

This topic focuses on exploring societal change. It centers on the transition from the medieval to the modern world; a period of dramatic economic, social and cultural change. This includes cross-cultural exchange, religious division, conflict, discrimination and persecution, and the changing social structures. We will thematically connect the two regions of focus under the umbrella of imperialism and its impacts: From the exploration of the case studies into the Americas; the treatment of indigenous peoples and the impact of slavery on the economy and society, connecting to Africa and the Middle East; including the impact of trade, the decline of African empires, the impact of slavery on those countries, and the cultural and religious exchange that occurred through the spread of Islam (including the Moors) and leading up to European imperialism. We will focus on the American and European exchange during Year 1, and at the end of the year lead into the European partition of Africa, which will become the focus of Year 2.

American Government: Foundations to Present Day

In this class we will discuss the founding of our democratic republic, including the creation of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and other amendments, the role of political parties, the powers of the three branches of government, the significance of landmark Supreme Court cases, how the Ohio Constitution effects our daily lives, the importance of local government, how to be politically active and informed, and the basic tenants of economics.

IB Year 2: History of the Cold War Era (1945-1992)

We will discuss the rivalry between the superpowers of the US and the USSR and how this tension impacted various regions of the world and became the foundation of many of today's conflicts.